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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The practices of etiquette have a connection to the nature of a nation, which is related, albeit to varying degrees, to the nature of the land.
It is possible that the tight fastening of a belt demonstrates a situation in which the body is prepared for very hard work. In contrast, for one who is connected to the use of intellect, the situation of girding one’s loins is not the proper one, as he must remove anything constricting from the body so that he can be free like the spirit of logic that elevates him. The Land of Darkness (i.e., Bavel – see Pesachim 34b) is not blessed with an affinity for high-level intellectual inquiry, and therefore its people are more drawn toward a situation that is connected to preparations for physical activities. One such situation is having one’s belt fastened firmly, which shows physical diligence. Eretz Yisrael is different. Its air wisens its inhabitants, and their expected goal is to be learned in the ways of Hashem and to be steeped in intellectual/philosophical inquiry. Only at times, when there is a need, do they enter into physically rigorous activity.
It is true that laziness is the enemy of wisdom and that it is proper for the study of Torah to be accompanied by work (Avot 2:2). Still, though, the lifestyle in Eretz Yisrael is one that draws one into a situation that is more appropriate for the work of the spirit than physical work. This is in line with the pasuk: "This nation I created for Myself; My praises they will tell" (Yeshaya 43:21). The navi speaks positively about a situation in which "foreigners will stand up and will graze your flock, and the sons of strangers will be the farmers, and you will be called the priests of Hashem, the servants of our G-d" (ibid. 61:5-6).
Not only in the times of Mashiach but even in the past, at the time of Shlomo, much of the hard physical work was handed over to non-Jews, who were more naturally inclined toward it. The Israelites, in contrast, were doing great things in the realm of the spirit, in Torah study, ethics, and pursuits of wisdom, whether in the field of practical leadership or purely intellectual matters of Torah and philosophy. This is the special characteristic that Israel has among the nations, as the pasuk says, "His nation belongs to the portion of Hashem" (Devarim 32:9).
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
